Chelsea target Van der Wiel to replace Bosingwa

Friday 27 January 2012

Chelsea's chances of signing Ajax defender Gregory Van der Wiel increased after his proposed move to Spanish side Valencia broke down, The Daily Mail reports. Current Blues right back Jose Bosingwa is refusing to sign a new extension on his current deal, which expires in the summer, and Van der Wiel is being lined up as a replacement.

The Dutch international has been on the radar of Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas for a long time and Chelsea had considered making a move in the summer. Van der Wiel was expected to move to the Mestalla this month, but the deal broke down and the 23 year old is available once again. Chelsea had hoped to secure Bosingwa to a longer contract, but the Portuguese defender is not keen on signing and Villas-Boas has had to switch to other options.

Marseille right back Cesar Azpilicueta has also been touted as a potential replacement for Bosingwa, but OM boss Didier Deschamps does not want to sell the Spanish international. Ajax want £20m for the Dutch international, who nearly moved to Bayern Munich in the summer, and Chelsea are prepared to pay that money for Van der Wiel.

Boswinga could make a move to French side Paris Saint Germain when his contract expires, but Chelsea are looking to capture some of the £16m they paid for him in 2008. Valencia are expected to try again in the summer, but the Blues are looking to speak with Ajax officials over securing a deal before the end of the transfer window.

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